300
is a 2007 film adaptation of the graphic novel
of the same name by Frank Miller, and is a fictionalized
retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae. The film
was directed by Zack Snyder while Miller served
as executive producer and consultant. The film
was shot mostly with a super-imposition chroma
key technique, to help replicate the imagery of
the original comic book.

Spartan King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300
Spartans fight to the last man against Persian
"God-King" Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro)
and his army of more than one million soldiers.
As the battle rages, Spartan Queen Gorgo (Lena
Headey) attempts to rally support in Sparta for
her husband. The story is framed by a voice-over
narrative by the Spartan soldier Dilios (David
Wenham). Through this narrative technique, various
fantastical creatures are introduced, placing
300 within the genre of historical fantasy.

300 was released in both conventional and IMAX
theaters in the United States on March 9, 2007,
and on DVD, Blu-ray, and HD DVD on July 31, 2007.
The film's opening was the 24th largest in box
office history, although critics were divided
over its look and style. Some acclaimed it as
an original achievement, while others criticized
it for favoring visuals over characterization
and its controversial depiction of the ancient
Persians. (Credit:
Wikipedia)